FBI Is 'Aware' of 'Offensive and Racist Text Messages' Sent Across Multiple States After Election Day

Mar. 15, 2025

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The FBI is aware of the “offensive and racist” text messages several Black people across multiple states reported receiving. The texts, sent out on Wednesday, Nov. 6, the day afterElection Day, instructed them to be prepared to go to a plantation and pick cotton.

Burwell told the news outlet he knows others who received the same message, including a cousin who lives in Richmond, Va.

The FBI released a statement on the robotexts via itswebsite, stating that it “is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter.”

“As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities,” the federal agency added.

Similar messages were reportedly sent to residents and college students inIndiana,Ohio,Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina. Though the wording varied, the theme was the same.

Students at Clemson University also reported receiving the texts. University police said it is “actively investigating” the matter,WCNCreports.

The university added in part, “Based on the information available, there is currently no indication of a credible threat to members of the Clemson community. CUPD takes all reports of concerning communication seriously and is committed to the safety of the University community.”

Black students at the University of Alabama and Samford Universityposted on social mediaabout receiving similar messages. Samford University President Beck Taylor toldAL.comthat the college is aware of the “despicable and disgusting behavior, including the uses of racial slurs, abusive language and other hateful content to demean beloved members of our community.”

Those who receive the message are urged to report it to authorities immediately. The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office told WCNC it is “working with federal and industry partners to investigate the source.” The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office told WCNC it had not received reports of the texts, and if it did, the reports would be referred to the Department of Justice since the state doesn’t have a hate crime law.

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It’s unclear who is sending the text messages, however, many of them appear to be going to Black college students.

PEOPLE reached out to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office for comment.

source: people.com